Siu Nim Tao

Note: The below are general concepts of Siu Nim Tao and is not a means to teach or a complete guide.

Siu Nim Tao (小念頭)

To generate Inertia Energy and the creation of the Siu Lim Tao structure. This allows the practitioner’s structure, Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma to be very powerful, as well as effective in attack or defence.

Siu Nim Tao is the first form that you will learn in the Wing Chun System. It is simple and easy to learn but is also the most complex to master. This is because no matter what other forms you learn in the Wing Chun System, you should always put it back into your Siu Nim Tao. You should never stop doing your Siu Nim Tao even when you start on the other Wing Chun forms.

Siu Nim Tao teaches you Stance, Balance & Structure as well as understand:

Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma (二字拑羊馬) – Wing Chun Stance

Centre Line concepts

Some basic Wing Chun hands in Siu Nim Tao:

Taan Sau (攤手)

Wu Sau (護手)

Fook Sau (伏手)

Bong Sau (膀手)

Hoon Sau (圈手)

Yat Ji Kuen (日字拳)

Gum Sau (撳手)

Chum Sau (枕手)

Gaan Sau (耕手)

When you start your Siu Nim Tao, you need to created your Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma – Wing Chun Stance, do a quick check of yourself (feet, hands and structure of your body) before you continue. This is the start and same for all 3 forms; Siu Nim Tao (小念頭), Chum Kiu (尋橋) or Biu Jee (鏢指). In the whole Siu Nim Tao form, you are stationary from the Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma and do not move from that position.

When you are performing your Siu Nim Tao each time:

make your stance and structure stronger

understand the centre line concepts both in your stance, hand and forearm placements

learn about the movements and positioning of your forearm and hand with little force (should be subtle yet strong)

You should practice Siu Nim Tao at least once daily for at least 6 months before considering starting Chum Kiu (尋橋), the second form.